Canoe Kayak Sprint

The excitement of racing at the Olympics or Paralympics in the fastest craft. The buzz in the crowd as the starting time gets closer. The starters gun goes and the paddlers explode out of their blocks. Gliding over the water this sport has a big following, as the finish line approaches the crowd cheers. Sprint racing has it all. Distances of 200, 500 or 1000 metres are raced at Olympic level, Local races have similar distances with some long distance events also held.

2019 VIC Canoe Sprint School Championships

Sprint clubs in South Australia

The major sprint clubs in South Australia are West Lakes, Holdfast Bay, Onkaparinga, and Encounter Paddling. There are six major regattas held over the summer season culminating with the State Championships at the end of January and then leading onto the National Championships. Regatta racing is open to paddlers of all ages and all skill levels from beginners to the elite. Most of the clubs offer some form of development and coaching for all paddling skill levels.

Regattas are normally held at A. M. Ramsay Regatta Course, Oarsmen Reserve, Military Road, West Lakes. Events 1km, 500m and 200m sprints in Canoe and Kayak.

Junior development

Paddle SA’s junior development program provides a pathway for young paddlers, from beginners to junior elite level. In conjunction with the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) Talent Search Program, the program identifies and develops young potential elite paddlers. The program works to underpin and feed into the institute’s high performance program (SASI).
Paddle SA Talent ID programs are based at West Lakes, Onkaparinga River and Encounter Lakes.